This and that, plus a smelly cat

Sunday: Sure, Solar was showing the Unforgiven PPV that day, but I opted to listen to the radio and switch to NU (a rarity, I tell you), because my good friend Jen Someone, along with her friends are hosting this "studio party" there. And bug her and her friends, all done in good light, I did. I texted in, ranging from the simple "Hi Jen!", "Ang galing talaga ni Jordan!", "Go Francis!", to the crazy "Puwede na akong matulog dahil narinig ko na ang kanta ni Jen" and "50 members na ang Jen Someone Fans Club Katipunan Chapter". Natawa na lang sa akin si Jen, she said Hi to me twice over the radio. Twice was the number of times that my message was read on air. She texted me after the show wondering who sent some of those messages. =) hehe.

It's been a busy few days for me. I've been doing Basic Graphic Design work for class (Yes, I still have school work WITH a due date over the break), and it's difficult making Victorian designs for posters and programs to be used in TA's play, "Enemy of the People." My right hand is aching like crazy... arthritis at such a young age. Geez.

Since Mela has been living with me for the past 4 days, my room smells funny right now. It is a strange brew of cat, poop, kitty litter, tomato sauce and mackerel. Yes, I can still sleep in there, but it seriously needs a large dose of Lysol and Glade when I pass Mela to Migs.

Mela's adventures keeps on piling out. She actually managed to escape my room and go outside the house. Luckily, we found her early. She must've been making friends with my other feline pets.

Music:	Mandy Moore - One Way or Another
Mood:	Tired

Cat Capers

Dear Mia,

This is Mela, your cute and adorable cat. Your clone, Milo let me use his blog for the meanwhile to serve as the medium of our communication. I hope you get to read what I write here.

This has been my third night here, and everything has been a blast.

I was a bit hostile the first day. When Migs and Milo brought me to ADMU, we were greeted by Milo's two sisters. I didn't know them, so I curled up around Milo's neck like a fur coat, digging my claws into his shirt for added grip. I wouldn't let go of Milo until later in his home when he showed me around his room. His sis tried to introduce me to Fabilioh, but I was a bit afraid since he was a bit bigger than me; I hid under the couch. I even scowled at that cat who was looking at me funny in the mirror. I slept on the bed of his sis that night.

I got used with them the second day. I was making a bed out of Milo's lap, his clothes in his cabinet, and of course, his bed. I loved climbing his bookcase -- I think I found my special place there. Milo went a way for a long while, so I explored every inch of his room until he came back. I thought he left me for good, but when he came back, he had a Christmas present for me, four lil cans of Friskies. Delish! He treated me to a can that day. I was so grateful that I stuck to Milo almost the whole day. I even slept on his bed that night.

I woke up a bit cranky this third day. I don't know why, but I felt like scratching everyone I see, except Milo. Some of his relatives came along. I didn't want to be a bother to Milo since he had to take care of his two lil' cousins so I slept almost the whole day in Milo's clothes closet. When I woke up, I felt very much energized that I kept on running around. His sis got angry at me later for pulling the curtains of her room down today, and it scared the heck out of me that I kept hiding under the tables and the couch. Even the sweet tone of Milo's voice couldn't calm me down. But later, I eased up and let Milo carry me back to his room. I hope everything goes well later.

Missing you,
Mela. xoxo

P.S. By the way, with the help of Milo, I managed to put up two picture books of my first two days here in his home. Just click on the links below.

Book 1: Missing Mia

Book 2: Enjoying the sleepover

Book 3 Coming soon!

P.S.S. I changed the left side pic to a special picture. Don't tell Milo that I did that.

P.S.S.S Thanks for the hug that you sent through text. Milo told me all about it.

Music:	Scatman - Scatman's World
Mood:	Meow

Ordinary Day

Dreary day
Lacking play
Breathing ritual
Hell as usual
Work hinders
Tired fingers
Long tests due
Time few
No stipends
Missed friends
Stolen life
Chi in strife

In summary, day went like this. Went to school, met Jen, Queene and co., lent them my laptop, submitted work for class, stayed around with friends, went home, back to take home long test. What a day.

Music:	Stacie Orrico - There's Gotta Be More to Life
Mood:	Hassled

The power of the written art

Many belittle the power of the written art. Comments like "Text bores me. Where are the pictures?" show this lack of respect. Now witness as the written word hollers his mighty roar in these examples below.



It's a photo of Fr. Nebres, the president of the Ateneo, from the current issue of the Guidon.

Their caption: Homes for the poor. Fr. Bienvenido Nebres leads the Ateneo community in building houses in Payatas for the Gawad Kalinga project.

Makes sense right? But what if we change the caption to:
Keeping up with the times. Ateneans teach Fr. Bienvenido Nebres the latest dance crazes, Otso-otso and Ispagheti.

Simple words change the meaning of the entire picture.

Another example -- Around 5:30 p.m. today, Jen and I walked to the Encomium. She will have a gig tonight (sayang, I couldn't go since I had this Philosophy long test and Basic Illustration plate to do.) at around 9 p.m. Along the way, we were discussing some funny events when we accidentally raised the volume of our voices that people started looking at you funny. When we got there, she introduced me to some of her friends. Jen suggested to Jordan to do that Una poem with me. Amazingly, after like five minutes, we were able to construct a poem that somehow made sense just by getting from an amalgam of spur-of-the-moment words. The end result, Lightning Test. Wow. Instant art from virtually nothing. Plus, it is somewhat of a psychology lesson where my subconscious and Jordan's "talked" --- or that's how he explained the bizzare happening.

Words are power. 'Nuff said.

---cut here---

I had a difficult time waking up earlier; I had no class this day so there was no immediate drive to wake up. Then it suddenly struck me, my cell group with Joe and company was today. I grabbed my laptop (to do some computerized work later), my school notebook and went to school. Talk about dedicated :).

After the enlightening session, we saw Mia pass by and joined us. She showed me the photos from the yearly Oblation run in UP --- to which she commented that "she wasn't impressed." I let her view the funny Michael Jackson statement Flash movie in my laptop; you should've seen her priceless reactions while she viewed it. She added a part in our spontaneous fictional story Jen and I started (now, the story is back with Jen.) Plus, she got addicted with the Fame Academy PC game that she would've stayed glued to her seat 'til dark. However, the battery was low and asked us to close all programs. Oh well, there's always the next time.

I met Migs again after his interview in the placement office. We momentarily went back to his house to print some stuff for Heights and retrieve his Mom's laptop to do his Philo Long test later. We went to the comm dept to start working on our respective Philosophy long tests. After I plugged in and turned on my laptop, Jen texted me "Milo whr r u? r u in skul?". Apparently, she wanted me to do something so I texted back saying that I'm on my way to RSF.

When I got there, I saw her typing away her Philo long test on a computer in the RSF. How many times did I say Philo long test in this entry? She just finished the last part of her paper and she wanted me to edit it. So, I got the file, placed it in my laptop and we proofread it together. Of course, we exchanged anecdotes while doing it.

We ran across some topics like that soiree we both attended but never knew that each one existed, and our dear friend, Mon Codera's death recently. May God rest his soul.

Then the Encomium thing happened next --- see abpve for the details.

---

So kids, gain power by reading a lot. It will help you a lot in the future.

Music:	Mandy Moore - Moonshadow
Mood:	Stressed but Cheerful

And I lift my hands and pray...

... that Jen would feel better.
... that Migs' bad luck streak would end.
... that Mia would perform well in the Fine Arts Festival.

Spent practically the whole day with Jen today.

Morning, while I was typing some fictional story, she came up behind me and placed her hands over my eyes to make me guess who she was. I didn't want to make a mistake, so I talked my way out of it. In came her group mates in Events, Queene gave her Christmas present to Jen -- homebaked apple crumble with that special Queene touch. I continued my typing and snuck in a few games of Yu-Gi-Oh. Jen offered me a bite of the apple crumble since it was a bit big for her. I promised to get my share later since my class drew near.

After class, I went to the caf up and saw... Jen once more. She was eating her lunch while thinking what to write in her Philo LT. As promised, I got my share of the apple crumble gift (Basically, my lunch for this day). I met her friend Twinkle who gave Jen a Christmas present --- a small bottle of homemade paper stars (very cute). Jen looked flushed that time, said she felt nauseated. Hope she gets well.

During that time, I got a Ferrero chocolate and one of the paper stars from Jen. She told me several jokes, and I kept on laughing -- it was funny and Jen narrated everything so well -- with actions, emotions and all. She borrowed my laptop to do her Philo paper. Before she started, she opened up another document and wrote a few lines for a story spontaneously which she asked me to continue later. Time passed by and I had to go to class. For the meanwhile, I lent my laptop to Jen so she could continue her paper. We went to the comm dept together sharing stories along the way.

Fr Nick's class: We got to watch the Making of Forrest Gump. I slept almost throughout the entire film -- I was tired from doing several assignments. Jen texted me that she was in the other room. I snuck out of the class for a moment to check on her. I went back in, Jen texted me later that she was about to go home. I told her to wait a few minutes since I wanted to finish the film, and the roll call as well.

After my name was called, I went back to Jen. She took good care of my baby (my laptop) and asked me if I could browse through her work later. She was filming her phone -- I don't know why. We said our goodbyes and I went back to class.

Apparently, the class finished an hour ahead of time so I got out as quickly as I got in. Pau, Tia and I waited for everyone to leave the room first before we got out. When I passed through the door, I was surprised that Jen was looking from the other room. She smiled as she told me that someone was waiting for me. When I entered the room, lo and behold, someone resurrected Migs --- I haven't seen him the whole day because he was typing something.

Jen's ride home arrived. We waved our goodbyes and us four, Tia, Migs, Pau and I went to the caf especially since Tia hasn't eaten anything the whole day. Talk talk, yada yada, Milo, can I xerox your Heights thingie? talk there. Basically, all talk --- and of course a few Yu-Gi-Oh battles along the way.

That's pretty much sums up what happened today. So children, if you think nothing happened to you on one day, think again, you're just not looking.

Music:	Mandy Moore - Only Hope
Mood:	Don't know

Monster Reborn

Man... too much Yu-gi-oh playing, I named the topic after a spell card.

A ritual topic of mine --- billiards. YEAH! The streak still goes on. It was a race to six. Even though we employed an alternate break system, I managed to string four straight racks. Migs got the fifth rack due to my carelessness --- missing the nine-ball completely giving him the easy ball-in-hand victory. We alternated wins in the next two racks bringing the score 5-2. In the eighth rack, after breaks and a few failed attempts at the one ball, the nine-ball went near the top right corner. It was Migs' turn, but he had no clear shot at the one. He didn't want to risk missing the ball and giving me ball-in-hand for a 1-9 combination so he purposely pocketed the nine to reset its position (a trick he learned from me.) Naturally, I had ball-in-hand. Being Earl that I am, even though it was difficult, I still tried a one-nine combination. I was planning to hit the nine in the top left corner pocket due to the fact that the one ball was in the right side of the nine ball. I missed wide, but fortunately, it hit the left side of the nine ball, cut thinly, and exactly pocketed the nine in the top right corner pocket. Like what Earl did in the World Pool Championship against Django, I stood on the billiard table shouting the infamous but emphatic, "Yeah!". The monster was reborn once more. (I wonder how Filipinos would react if I (if I manage to learn all the skills needed) ever turn pro when I act like Earl Strickland?)

The rebirth continues... My muse and I have reunited once more. My writing prowess is reborn and now, we are currently bearing two children, two fictional stories. Hopefully, at least one of them is born before Wednesday (deadline for Heights contributions.)

The interview for that position in the Placement Office, I think, went pretty well. Although the interviewer noticed that I was a bit nervous, I believe it went well considering that I didn't feel bad afterwards. I hope I pass this phase one of this three part test. Jen (She went after me), I believe, did real well --- at least from an eavesdropper's standpoint.

I just saw the final, edited video of the acting thing I did for my Comm friends. It was pretty good considering the major overhaul they needed to do due to technical problems. It wasn't the best --- but I'm still proud of it. I showed it to Jen, Mia, Karla, and a few friends in my Fiction class.

So people, when one obstacle comes your way, don't let it put you down too much (--that you commit suicide in front of your boyfriend's house). There will be days like this when everything seems to go your way. And one day like this is far more better than all those bad days combined.

Music:	Mandy Moore - Turn the Clock Around
Mood:	Successful

Stars are falling and will fall.

The L.A. Fakers stars are falling... they just lost two straight already. One at home against Dallas, one on the road against Portland.

Saturday class -- Basic Graphic Design
A challenge that I can't overcome (YET). Yes, I submit good work, better than the average Joe. My group functions better as a group and gives their whole heart in their work.

However, any Genuine member hasn't received any awards for their efforts as the competition, has one individual who brings the glamour in their group. She's really good and will have a bright future in the world of design.

It just frustrates me that the competition as a whole shares the individual's glory (She already won the first two awards in our class).

I want to top that. As Steven Richards says, "I'll show you, you'll see." I know I can do it. I'll answer Sir's call to push my work up to the next level. I don't want any half-hearted group to hang on their star's coattails and take full glory.

Even their three logos that they made for us... we wanted to reject all of them but we're just too kind. They were half-baked --- it just shows their working attitude. One was just a cheap knockoff of the Greenwich logo, one was a rip-off of their own logo and the other was a key logo (made by their star), although good, doesn't show who we are as a group.

Their star will soon fall. And the competition won't have anyone to carry them any more.

Music:	Mandy Moore - Drop the Pilot
Mood:	All Fired Up

Awake while asleep

The whole day was like "Dead Man Walking". I barely could get my eyes open. I was in limbo between consciousness and unconsciousness during Philo class today that I don't even remember what we've discussed earlier. I couldn't even get up quickly this morning. Even a cup of Milo, which usually gives me that energy I need for the day, didn't help cure my lethargic state. Guess the workers inside my body are on strike right now for lack of sleep.

I was recruited by my Comm friends to act in one of their products. I was cast as an 11? year old kid who had a difficult time understanding multiplication. Can you imagine how hard it is for a 20-year-old boy like me acting someone half my age? I gave my all in trying to simulate those little balls of energy. I even had to walk in a squatting position throughout the film to make my older brother "believable". I had a lot of fun doing the film though. I hope I see the final version. And yes, people who know me will think differently of me after that. --- if that happens, is it a sign of good acting?

Darn, I have a class tomorrow... I just hope I can make it through the day -- maybe release my seemingly endless energy supply again like I narrated to Jen when she was in a sleepy state.

Migs, hope you find your phone. I also hope, even though they were long shots, that any one of those scenarios we conjured up earlier happens.

This is a sleepy guy going to bed now... don't waste your youth kids. You'll miss going to sleep when you reach college.

Music:	Mandy Moore - Walk me Home
Mood:	Sleepy

Catching up.

Though swamped with work, I'm still finding free time...

A spider bit my little pinky on the right hand the other day. It stinged for half a day, and I got funny sensations in my right arm. Then I turned into... just plain me. Oh well. So much for any web-slinging days ahead of me.

My class and teacher liked the CD Cover I made for my Basic Illustration as Visual Narrative class. It looked so authentic that someone actually said that he wanted to buy it. I hope I can replicate those good results in my next plate -- magazine illustration.

Geminis rule! Some interesting facts -- most of my closest friends in college are Geminarians! Plus, our names play around the letters J and M.

I've been talking and sharing life's stories a lot with Jen lately. In all sorts of ways, it's been nice spending time with her. She's really a good friend. And she Jedi-mind-tricked me lately into signing up as a helper for the Job Fair thing in Ateneo --- just like she did back then to "make" me join YOF. (kidding...)

I've been in a writer's block lately. However, as one thing barricades a pathway, it opens another --- this time in illustration. I've been doing a lot of caricatures and "realistic" portraits lately.

I just got a copy of Ju-on and How to Deal on DVD. I can't wait to watch them in full.

I still don't know what to give my friends for Christmas. I just don't want to give anything... I want something special. Suggestions?

As for academics, I believe I'm in the positive side of things.

Music:	Mandy Moore - One Way or Another
Mood:	Giddy (?)

December

It's the Christmas month, don't feel the Christmas vibes though, whether "shop and gift-givingtually" or spiritually.

Now what do I give to my friends? Hmmmm..... I'd like to thank them somehow one way or another.

I love the ateneocosa.com website I designed (not all up but the essence is there), hope the powers that be like it. The portfolio located in the left side of this blog contains all my website designs that are currently up.

I so want Karaoke Revolution for my PS2 -- it's like it was meant for me considering all the pop songs in it. And I love pop. (weird guy, some people might think --- guys should be in rock, rap, metal!) No Mandy though. It's a great icebreaker party game... I can imagine people singing Michae.... Michelle Branch. :)

Karaoke Revolution Song List:
Addicted - Simple Plan
I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross
All You Wanted - Michelle Branch
It's the End of the World as We Know It - R.E.M.
Are You Happy Now? - Michelle Branch
Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
Believe - Cher
Ladies' Night - Kool & The Gang
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Like a Virgin - Madonna
Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order
One Week - Barenaked Ladies
Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
Red Red Wine - UB40
Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Save Tonite - Eagle Eye Cherry
Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
Complicated - Avril Lavigne
She Talks to Angels - Black Crowes
Crawling in the Dark - Hoobastank
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
Don't Know Why - Norah Jones
Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
Every Morning - Sugar Ray
The Power of Love - Huey Lewis and the News
Everything You Want - Vertical Horizon
Waiting for Tonight - Jennifer Lopez
Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge
Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
You Really Got Me - Van Halen
How You Remind Me - Nickelback
You're the One That I Want - Olivia Newton-John
Science Genius Girl - Freezepop

Music:	Mandy Moore - Have a Little Faith in Me
Mood:	Harrassed

Ok got to go. Work to do. And more work during the Christmas break! (And they call it a break.)

Mentations

Joined the cell group once again. Joe "preached" an enlightening sermon. It was all good, but how come I felt bad about myself after that as if I'm innately evil?

I love designing websites. However, I found it difficult to design a professional, corporate site as wanted by my boss in COSA. I uploaded the new design now in ateneocosa.com. I hope they like it.

My art journal for my Basic Illustration as Visual Narrative class has been my constant companion nowadays. Somehow, I'm inspired to draw as if someone was guiding my hand. Even though I still do not manage to get the "perfect look" of my "subjects", I see that my skills are getting better. Drawings that I'm happy about: A caricature of Vic Zhou, a caricature of me with pool stuff and all, and a realistic drawing (although still not perfect) of Jen. Don't get any ideas now reader...

Illustrating has taken over my writing time... I still have that one story idea running through my head. I believe it has the stuff to get a Palanca, but I know I still have to write it down.

I love all my classes. My Saturday class is a bit annoying though, but I love the challenge.

Migs loves to overromanticize things. He's been overromanticizing stuff the past week --- like the reason why I like Mandy is because she has Jen-like qualities. Migs, I knew Mandy before Jen.

My winning streak against Migs in pool is still intact. Is it the glove or am I just getting better? Back then, we used to trade wins -- he'd win one, I'll win one, and every game was close (see archives). But now, since I got the glove, things started to look up. It faltered around twice when it was still new, but now, he hasn't beaten me since July? -- And we play pool at an average of once a week. And he's usually stuck at around 2-3 racks.

Will two shirtlifters and a guy ever reconcile their "friendship" after a name, character and moral damaging fabulated incident??

Will I get DL this sem? Or will Jen treat me out because I didn't get into DL? We had this deal before this sem to treat the person who fails to get into DL.

Is Mia a better version of me, Version 1? Haha :)

Music:	Mandy Moore - Have a Little Faith in Me
Mood:	Harrassed

All the things she said, running through my head

I don't look like it ("One must always project the face of success" - i.e. American Beauty), but a lot has been bothering me lately. It feels like I'm currently suspended in the sands of time, not knowing which direction to go to right now. Sure, it might reflect the fact that I have a lot of work to do (COSA Website, the rival logo and wedding invitation for my Basic Graphic design class etc.) However, I know that my disarray of thoughts isn't just because of work. There are other things, other serious and pressing matters. And I hate myself for bringing them to me, or at least, I think I brought them to me. Kainis... kainis talaga.

Music:	Mandy Moore - Senses Working Overtime
Mood:	Confused